Repressed Memories
Unit 4 Written Assignment
The Controversy of Repressed Memories
Introduction
It has long been regarded that, in line with the theory of Sigmund Freud, one of the most respected names in Psychology regarding repressed memories. It was suggested by Freud that negative memories, such as traumatic events are suppressed to prevent traumatic events from causing further psychological distress.
This has been the firm belief for many decades in the field of psychology. However, this stance is beginning to be challenged. Per an article in Time Magazine, (Sifferlin, 2014).
Recent research has shown that recalling such negative memories might help recover from such ordeals. It has also been suggested that by suppressing such negative memories we may be causing more harm than good, resulting in a higher risk of influencing …show more content…
negative behavior and having a detrimental impact on mental health.
Ultimately, it has been suggested, in recent studies that a positive impact may be the eventual outcome of recalling these memories as the best scenario. It has been suggested, that based on recent studies, that repressing negative memories won’t influence behavior. However, there might be a positive impact on mental health and behavior by not repressing such memories (Sifferlin, 2014).
An article on the controversy of repressed memories
There have been many articles on this this controversial topic of psychology.
For this purpose of this paper, I have examined one such example of literature. The article discussed above shows not only the controversy of repressed memories but that the stance of them is changing.
My opinion on repressed memories
While, the original theory regarding repressed memory by Freud is certainly a significant body of research. The contemporary studies into this controversial topic should certainly be considered. This is because the most recent research is more relevant to people, and ultimately, psychology of today.
Today there are different pressured than during Freud’s time. For example, there has been the advent of new recognized conditions, for example PTSD. This is a type of condition that has such a detrimental effect on human behavior that it can even block the “fight or flight” reflex.
While I believe that the studies by Freud are significant and could even today be applicable or certainly cases, recent psychological studies should be considered when considering repressed
memories.
With today’s modern pressures, which has brought these conditions into prominence from child abuse cases right up to the psychological impact veterans have faced in the theatre of war as enabled us to understand trauma and in turn, a new understanding the significance of repressed memories (U.S. National Library of Medicine , n.d.).
Although I do understand that Freud may have curtained viewed subconscious memory suppression as a defense mechanism within the mind itself, today with have developed a better understanding of this aspect of psychology, although it does continue to be a controversial topic. It could certainly be the case that an enhanced understanding, can see the benefit of dealing of those memories in a constructive manner rather than merely suppressing negative memories.
By understanding this we could develop a better method of treating conditions such as PTSD. Just as we have gained a better understanding of medicine over the centuries, the same could be said for psychology a field which is still very much in its infancy.
Works Cited
Sifferlin, A. (2014, March 19). Study: Freud Was Wrong About Repressed Memories. Retrieved December 4, 2016, from Time Magazine: http://time.com/30216/study-repressing-memories-wont-unconsciously-influence-behavior/
U.S. National Library of Medicine . (n.d.). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Retrieved December 5, 2016, from PubMed Health : https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMHT0024667/
The Controversy of Repressed Memories
Introduction
It has long been regarded that, in line with the theory of Sigmund Freud, one of the most respected names in Psychology regarding repressed memories. It was suggested by Freud that negative memories, such as traumatic events are suppressed to prevent traumatic events from causing further psychological distress.
This has been the firm belief for many decades in the field of psychology. However, this stance is beginning to be challenged. Per an article in Time Magazine, (Sifferlin, 2014).
Recent research has shown that recalling such negative memories might help recover from such ordeals. It has also been suggested that by suppressing such negative memories we may be causing more harm than good, resulting in a higher risk of influencing …show more content…
negative behavior and having a detrimental impact on mental health.
Ultimately, it has been suggested, in recent studies that a positive impact may be the eventual outcome of recalling these memories as the best scenario. It has been suggested, that based on recent studies, that repressing negative memories won’t influence behavior. However, there might be a positive impact on mental health and behavior by not repressing such memories (Sifferlin, 2014).
An article on the controversy of repressed memories
There have been many articles on this this controversial topic of psychology.
For this purpose of this paper, I have examined one such example of literature. The article discussed above shows not only the controversy of repressed memories but that the stance of them is changing.
My opinion on repressed memories
While, the original theory regarding repressed memory by Freud is certainly a significant body of research. The contemporary studies into this controversial topic should certainly be considered. This is because the most recent research is more relevant to people, and ultimately, psychology of today.
Today there are different pressured than during Freud’s time. For example, there has been the advent of new recognized conditions, for example PTSD. This is a type of condition that has such a detrimental effect on human behavior that it can even block the “fight or flight” reflex.
While I believe that the studies by Freud are significant and could even today be applicable or certainly cases, recent psychological studies should be considered when considering repressed
memories.
With today’s modern pressures, which has brought these conditions into prominence from child abuse cases right up to the psychological impact veterans have faced in the theatre of war as enabled us to understand trauma and in turn, a new understanding the significance of repressed memories (U.S. National Library of Medicine , n.d.).
Although I do understand that Freud may have curtained viewed subconscious memory suppression as a defense mechanism within the mind itself, today with have developed a better understanding of this aspect of psychology, although it does continue to be a controversial topic. It could certainly be the case that an enhanced understanding, can see the benefit of dealing of those memories in a constructive manner rather than merely suppressing negative memories.
By understanding this we could develop a better method of treating conditions such as PTSD. Just as we have gained a better understanding of medicine over the centuries, the same could be said for psychology a field which is still very much in its infancy.
Works Cited
Sifferlin, A. (2014, March 19). Study: Freud Was Wrong About Repressed Memories. Retrieved December 4, 2016, from Time Magazine: http://time.com/30216/study-repressing-memories-wont-unconsciously-influence-behavior/
U.S. National Library of Medicine . (n.d.). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Retrieved December 5, 2016, from PubMed Health : https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMHT0024667/